Oh Moesha, I am so sorry to be reading this about your Gary! your mum must have been STUNNED!

FeLV, feline leukemia is quite contagious, although I "think" through saliva. Do that research you mentioned.

FIV, aka Feline Aids, is not nearly as bad. A cat with that should be kept as an indoor cat, however. My Bobby is FIV +. They can only transmit that through a deep bite. Thakfully, all my cats get along and Bobby himself is such a love bug, just wanting to smooch with everyone, that it is not an issue here.

RIP, Gary. You knew the love of a PT'er, that makes you one lucky fella.